SA w/ Briefcase?

Do those in your office look down on summer analysts who carry a briefcase. If it ends up being necessary for an analyst to carry a few items, should a backpack be used instead?

I have a briefcase (as the one below) and wanted to know if carrying one would cross into the realm of ferragamo loafers / flashy cufflinks and seen as stuck up etc.

It is a plain black BB case, silver buckle small BB metal badge.

http://www.brooksbrothers.com/IWCatProductPage.pr…

 
Best Response

Maybe people will think it's less of an anachronism if you can show up wearing a fedora or top hat, a monocle, and a three-peice light gray sharkskin-colored suit. Bring a case of cigars in with you, and you're all set :D

In all seriousness, it might be a bit odd for an SA to carry a briefcase, but if I've worn a light gray sharkskin suit into work, you can pull off a briefcase. It all just depends on how self-conscious you'll feel. If you're worried, just go with a laptop bag. Then again, if you're that nervous about how you come off, you might still have some growing up to do.

 

basically you just need a briefcase with a shoulder strap. they're called many things and the terms overlap. besides the above another name is messenger bag. Just pickout something black that looks professional. e.g. you can get this for $10: http://www.amazon.com/Gemline-Executive-Saddlebag-Black-Size/dp/B0038P2…

you could also risk having someone install a shoulder strap to that lovely BB bag you have. the problem is that you can't hold it in your hand like an attache case. Why? I dunno. Somehow thats a look reserved for 50ish senior bankers.

 
Short:
If it ends up being necessary for an analyst to carry a few items
At the time when you had your testicles surgically removed, if they were larger than 13 kg each then yes it is acceptable to bring them with you in such a briefcase. However, your lack of confidence leads me to believe that your testicles are probably the size of small olives and should simply be transported in a mini M&Ms tube.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I tend to think of myself as a one-man wolfpack Buyside strongside
 

All/most banks will give you some branded swag when you first start the SA or FT program. This usually includes a messenger bag of some sort. Use that instead.

To be honest, no one will really care/notice anyway.

My question is: why would you want to carry around a bag at all? If someone sees you with it they’ll immediately know if you happen to be arriving late or leaving early. Best to go with no bag and keep them guessing...

-- Support WSO.com and visit these links! Financial Modeling Training Guide to Finance Interviews
 
Lotin]Get something like this <a href=http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/Men-accessories-bags-Leather_Flap_Portfolio_Briefcase-lordandtaylor/137698[/quote rel=nofollow>http://www.lordandtaylor.com/eng/Men-accessories-bags-Leather_Flap_Port…</a>]</p> <p>thats pretty expensive...and flashy</p> <p>[quote=Downeasta:
You're kidding, right?

You don't need a damn briefcase. But, if you're that worried, call up your supervisor and ask.

dude i dont know, thats why i asked...

 

Meh, I brought along one of those messenger bag like brief cases to work when I was interning. I had a legitimate reason though as everyday I would bring home about 2-3 reports home to read since I interned in ER and also I took home 5 bottles of vitamin water/plate of pad thai from my daily seamless budget (when I wasn't staying late).

Don't bring the old school hardcase briefcase though. You'll look like a tool.

 

Briefcases are so 90's, man! Go for an all black messenger bag.

Money may buy the husk of things but not the kernel. It brings you food but not appetite, medicine buy not health, acquaintances but not friends, servants but not faithfulness, days of joy, but not peace or happiness. -Henrik Ibsen
 

Bumping an old thread but I start on monday so I need to get something this weekend. I think it would be more awkward to walk into the office on the first day with my hands in my pockets than with a messenger bag. I want one because I want to carry my lunch in it (srs, on a strict diet, plus its cheaper) and anything else I might need. So an all-black messenger bag then? And I wouldnt look like a tool?

 
ChrisHansen:
Bumping an old thread but I start on monday so I need to get something this weekend. I think it would be more awkward to walk into the office on the first day with my hands in my pockets than with a messenger bag. I want one because I want to carry my lunch in it (srs, on a strict diet, plus its cheaper) and anything else I might need. So an all-black messenger bag then? And I wouldnt look like a tool?

Tumi has an end of season sale (up to 40% off). There are like half a dozen Tumi stores in NY.

Anything on this page will work http://www.tumi.com/family/index.jsp?size=12&sort=&categoryId=4238826&f…

No you wouldn't look like a tool with a messenger bag.

 
swagon:
get one that's Gucci, mane

I have a black leather one from Gucci, and I was applying for jobs in Audit, Institutional Banking, Consulting, the whole lot. Wore button shaped silver cufflinks too, under a suit jacket, heaven forbid.

No correlation on my job offers received with and without it, and no comments from the interviewing staff.

That said, I use it at court, uni, work, internships, the whole lot. Never had any negative comments. I use it because it's practical and it's lockable.

The point is having something subtle enough that it doesn't stand out like a sore thumb, and not drawing attention to it. Mine has no logo except for on the zip, the lock, and the inside. Similar to http://www.gucci.com/us/styles/201853AF41N2044#, but with matt leather, like on http://www.gucci.com/us/styles/268113A7M0N1000# (it's an older model).

Whatever you do, make sure it's subtle, and you have the personality to match carrying it, ie. project you as a person, not as a sum of material possessions. No use walking around showing it off like a douche, and having the personality to match, but at the end of the day, it's just a bag, and people should see beyond that.

 
chrisgayle885:
In my opinion, we should carry a briefcase since it gives a professional look.Whether it’s an internship or a job, looking professional is equally important and not to forget first impression is last one. So why take a chance, go with a descent briefcase for first couple of weeks and if you find it’s not needed you can always use it later in some other company. I personally use briefcase which I bought from Samsonite sale, serves me well as per the function and looks professional.

nah brah

 

Nobody cares what you wear or what you bring to work. It wont make the blindest bit of difference to whether you get an offer. Don't piss anyone off, do good work and thats all that matters. Spread button-down collar, briefcase, cufflinks, nobody cares as long as you save them sleep and make them look good to clients.

Square-toed shoes would be the exception, those are absurd.

 

Go on amazon.com and search for Wenger (belongs to Swiss Army).

For example: http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-Legacy-Laptop-Sleeve-WA-7444-14F00/dp/B002…

I own this one but its quite bulky (good for flights though): http://www.amazon.com/Wenger-Swiss-Army-Coral-Notebook/dp/B000BYNXVS/re…

FWIW, you'll likely look like a tool with a leather bag (as an undergrad intern).

 
JeffSkilling:
What are you going to be putting in that thing, comic books? Why the hell would you need that for SA...

condoms. lots

"I can calculate the motion of heavenly bodies but not the madness of people"
 

I'm pretty sure you wouldn't look too good with a briefcase during your SA stint.

"Dude, not trying to be a dick here, but your shop looks like a frontrunner for the cover of Better Boilerrooms & Chophouses or Bucketshop Quarterly." -Uncle Eddie
 

Yeah, I'm starting a full time gig pretty soon and I still might not get a briefcase. A messenger/laptop bag or satchel works great too. When I was an SA at a BB I looked around and some of my MD's carried backpacks - they said it was more convenient for the gym. Most didn't carry anything though. I feel like a briefcase for an SA is like wearing cuff-links, pretentious and not within your pay grade.Most useful think for me was one of those leather zip up cases that you can carry a pad and some pens in. Works great for resumes too.

 

Honestly, people worry so much about looking like a tool as an SA... does it honestly matter that much? Are people really so sartorially aware? I carry around a $500 briefcase and wear dress shirts, ties, and tweed blazers in school, and people don't really seem to care.... the occasional "looking sharp," but nothing more. As David Foster Wallace once said, "you'll stop worrying so much about what people think about you when you realise how seldom they do"

 
Warhead:
Honestly, people worry so much about looking like a tool as an SA... does it honestly matter that much? Are people really so sartorially aware? I carry around a $500 briefcase and wear dress shirts, ties, and tweed blazers in school, and people don't really seem to care.... the occasional "looking sharp," but nothing more. As David Foster Wallace once said, "you'll stop worrying so much about what people think about you when you realise how seldom they do"

People call you a tool behind your back

 

In perspiciatis inventore ad et explicabo inventore et placeat. Quia eum voluptatem sunt et iste. Itaque harum veniam ex voluptate.

 

Et qui minus itaque consectetur impedit aut. Qui animi expedita et. Numquam voluptas qui rerum sequi. In at sit voluptatibus aut voluptas deleniti. Natus officiis commodi vero atque numquam sit harum voluptatum. Necessitatibus id placeat magnam dolore nihil quisquam omnis. Aut doloribus et qui vel.

Dolorem dolores aut quis quia qui. Consectetur quisquam ut itaque qui. Aperiam accusantium voluptate quia dolores optio quos.

Voluptas fuga nobis consequuntur pariatur. Laboriosam culpa recusandae vel soluta accusantium enim nisi.

Occaecati voluptatem aut accusantium ducimus impedit ad vel optio. Ab commodi voluptatum ab voluptatem. Rerum sit accusantium totam occaecati nihil reiciendis qui.

 

Molestias placeat quos eveniet impedit qui et. Vel officia est veritatis incidunt in exercitationem. Ut quia quae est fugit consequatur aut. Illo eum illo provident quas qui officiis dolorem. Nam tempora dolorem quaerat sapiente.

Dolor blanditiis esse eum. Doloribus temporibus tenetur maxime non inventore.

Ullam id quia in inventore voluptas quo. Iusto hic vel est blanditiis non provident culpa. Beatae aut voluptate tenetur et blanditiis.

A et placeat et. Officiis excepturi consequatur saepe fuga autem. Omnis ea qui a ad at eaque animi. Dolor autem nihil modi voluptatum placeat illum qui.

========================================= We are excited to formally extend to you an offer to join Bank of Ameria

Career Advancement Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Jefferies & Company 02 99.4%
  • Goldman Sachs 19 98.8%
  • Harris Williams & Co. (++) 98.3%
  • Lazard Freres 02 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 03 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Harris Williams & Co. 18 99.4%
  • JPMorgan Chase 10 98.8%
  • Lazard Freres 05 98.3%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.7%
  • William Blair 03 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Lazard Freres 01 99.4%
  • Jefferies & Company 02 98.8%
  • Goldman Sachs 17 98.3%
  • Moelis & Company 07 97.7%
  • JPMorgan Chase 05 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

March 2024 Investment Banking

  • Director/MD (5) $648
  • Vice President (19) $385
  • Associates (86) $261
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (13) $181
  • Intern/Summer Associate (33) $170
  • 2nd Year Analyst (66) $168
  • 1st Year Analyst (202) $159
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (144) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

1
redever's picture
redever
99.2
2
Secyh62's picture
Secyh62
99.0
3
Betsy Massar's picture
Betsy Massar
99.0
4
BankonBanking's picture
BankonBanking
99.0
5
dosk17's picture
dosk17
98.9
6
DrApeman's picture
DrApeman
98.9
7
kanon's picture
kanon
98.9
8
CompBanker's picture
CompBanker
98.9
9
GameTheory's picture
GameTheory
98.9
10
Jamoldo's picture
Jamoldo
98.8
success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”